On Dec. 21 – the first day of winter – we celebrated the first year anniversary of the newly constructed Woodbridge Township Animal Shelter & Pet Adoption Center.The new center, located at 195 Woodbridge Avenue in Sewaren, provides a safe and comfortable haven for the care and housing of dogs, cats and abandoned animals recovered by Woodbridge Animal Control.

Last year’s opening of the Animal Shelter & Pet Adoption Center was a milestone in what was a priority project for the township and animal and pet enthusiasts.Today, the Animal Shelter & Pet Adoption Center not only meets the needs for the care and sheltering of abandoned and homeless animals, but serves as the region’s premier pet adoption center.In 2008, a record number 268 dogs, 975 cats and 48 other animals were adopted and given new and loving homes by families from throughout the region and from as far away as New York.

The staff and volunteers at the pet adoption center encourage prospective adopting families to meet and greet their new pet in the comfortable and toy-filled “family pet & play center.”And, it’s easy to adopt… just fill out the adoption form right in the play room and the staff will complete the arrangements.

If you can’t get to the shelter and want to see our pets, or obtain an adoption form, log-on to the Woodbridge Township Web Page at: www.twp.woodbridge.nj.us and click on “Animal Shelter & Pet Adoption Center”… you’ll be glad you did.If you’re interested in helping us take care of our animal guests and friends and want to volunteer, simply call the shelter at 732-855-0600 ext.5007 or our volunteer coordinator at 732-636-4580.

The Woodbridge Township Animal Shelter & Pet Adoption Center is open Monday through Saturday with convenient hours of operation:

• Monday ~ 1 to 3 p.m.

• Tuesday ~ 6 to 8 p.m.

• Wednesday ~ noon to 2 p.m.

• Thursday ~ 1 to 3 p.m.

• Friday ~ 1 to 3 p.m.

• Saturday ~ 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Animal Shelter & Pet Adoption Center houses 17 individual dog kennels with extended indoor/outdoor runs; an over-size cattery with individual cages for each feline; separate, fully-ventilated dog and cat quarantine areas; a private animal receiving area equipped with cleaning facilities; a “prep” room where incoming animals are examined prior to housing; a private veterinary care clinic where animals will be examined and treated; and a laundry for cleaning blankets and kennel wraps.A unique and special feature is the inclusion of a public area where families can greet and interact with pets prior to adoption.

The shelter is more than just a haven for Woodbridge animals… it’s a facility that is large enough to assist neighboring towns provide care for their animals.We have agreed to provide kennel services for lost and abandoned animals located in South Amboy and we are working with several other communities to provide shelter and pet adoption services for their animals.

I am extremely pleased that we have been able to put together a facility that is cost effective, considers the needs of township taxpayers and financial priorities, and allows us to achieve the goal that we all share – the humane care and protection of our homeless animals.I encourage everyone to stop by the shelter and to adopt a pet.